R.E.M. Debuts "We Are Hope Despite the Times" Digital Compilation to Boost Civic Engagement Ahead of the Upcoming Election Season

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Los Angeles, CA (September 17, 2024)—In honor of National Voter Registration Day, Constitution Day, and Citizenship Day, R.E.M. has launched "We Are Hope Despite The Times," a digital compilation designed to inspire civic engagement during this crucial election season. This curated playlist features 18 tracks from the band's catalog, each resonating with themes of activism and social responsibility.

The compilation takes its name from the lyric “We are young despite the years / We are concern, we are hope despite the times” from R.E.M.’s 1986 song “These Days,” and includes politically charged songs such as “Welcome to the Occupation,” “Swan Swan H,” “Fall on Me,” “World Leader Pretend,” and “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).”

Throughout their career, R.E.M. has been a staunch advocate for civic engagement, using their platform to promote voter participation and social causes. They were among the first bands to collaborate with Rock the Vote in the early 1990s, significantly boosting youth voter turnout for the 1992 presidential election. Their support extends globally, with past performances at benefit concerts like the Vote for Change Tour and vocal advocacy on issues ranging from war and environmental justice to human rights. Their commitment to these causes was notably demonstrated at the 1991 MTV VMAs, where they used their acceptance speech to highlight critical issues such as gun control, reproductive rights, and voting rights.

With "We Are Hope Despite The Times," R.E.M. continues to champion democratic participation, urging fans to register to vote, make their voices heard, and actively shape the future.